Deacons

Introducing New Deacon Candidates for 2027

The Deacon Ministry introduces the following candidates for Deacon Ministry beginning January 2027. An ordination service and reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 8, at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Rich and Cathe DeGrand

Rich and Cathe DeGrand have been members of FBC Garland since Feb 2016. They have been married for 15 years and have 3 children. Cathe serves as the Children's Ministry Associate here at FBCG. Rich is a security supervisor at Garland ISD who serves in the Wonder Zone in the KidZone, Bible Drill, and Upward sports. The entire family enjoys serving together during Kid's Activity Club each October and will serve hot dogs and popcorn from time to time during Upward basketball. Rich and Cathe are blessed to be members of the Connected Sunday School and get do enjoy doing life with incredible folks who enjoy serving as well! In our personal time, we enjoy hanging out as a family playing board and card games, getting out to the woods for a hunt when we can, and can be found at either a baseball field, where Rich coaches one or both of the boys.

Joseph and Victoria Gharis

Joseph lives in Garland, Texas, with his wife, Victoria, and daughter, Isabella. He has been a member of First Baptist Church garland since 2008. He is a member of Covenant Marriage Sunday School class and serves on the Coffee team. Professionally, he serves as a Life Safety Field Engineer at DFW Airport.

Gary and Shannon Gillespie

Gary and Shannon Gillespie joined First Baptist Garland in February, 2023. Gary graduated from the Jack E. Schmid Institute in 2025. He is a member of the Building and Properties Committee and is on the teaching rotation for the Barnabas Class. They both enjoy singing with the Praise Singers. Shannon enjoys the Grace Bible studies on Thursday mornings and the Tuesday evening Ladies’ Bible studies. They have been married 42 years and have a total of 5 children, 23 grandchildren and 13, soon to be 14, great grandchildren, just don’t ask them to name them all.

Tres and Jennifer London

Tres and Jennifer London have been members of FBC Garland for 10 years and live in Wylie. Tres works in the software industry and Jennifer is a wonderful homemaker for their family. They have been blessed with 5 children and enjoy various family activities together.

Ryan and Jalissa Timmons

Ryan and Jalissa joined FBC Garland in 2024. They met at Texas Tech University and married in 2020. They have two children, Isaac (4) and Bridget (2), and are excited to welcome another baby boy, George, in December. Ryan works for the City of Garland's Engineering Department, while Jalissa is a full-time homemaker. As a family they enjoy walking, reading, and watching movies together

Deacon Ministry

QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

The word “deacon” means servant or minister and came to be used by the church to designate a special position in the church. The deaconship, therefore, signifies a position of special Christian service. Both the Scripture and the dignity of the office demand a person of the highest spiritual, moral and practical qualifications:

I. SPIRITUAL QUALIFICATIONS (ACTS 6:1-6)

            A.        Full of the Holy Spirit
            B.        Full of wisdom
            C.        Full of faith

II. MORAL QUALIFICATIONS (I TIMOTHY 3: 8-10, 12-13)

            A.        Worthy of respect
            B.        Sincere
            C.        Not indulging in much wine
            D.        Not pursuing dishonest gain
            E.        The husband of one wife
            F.         Manages his children and household well

III. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE WIFE OF A DEACON (I TIMOTHY 3:11)

            A.        Worthy of respect
            B.        Not malicious talker
            D.        Temperate
            F.         Trustworthy in everything

IV. PRACTICAL DUTIES

            A.        Loyal support of the pastor and staff
            B.        Faithful attendance at the services of the church
            C.        Encouragement of and participation in the organizations of the church -
                        Sunday School, Music, Church Training, Outreach, Prayer Room, etc.
            D.        "A consistent commitment to stewardship shall be attested by the
                        Deacon's example of tithing to the Church."
                        (from the Church Constitution)
            E.        Personal evangelism among the lost and visitation of the
                        sick, shut-ins and indifferent of the membership
            F. Regular attendance at the meetings of the deacons
            G.        Assistance with new member assimilation
            H.        Participation in the "Deacons of the Week" assignments